I’ll update about the Abell keys. I’d sure welcome something else on Grinters. Don’t know a thing about 'em. Never played one.
Dale
I just got yet another request to do a listing on http://www.chiffandfipple.com/Expens.html
I was going to humbly re-request that someone please do me the honor, pretty-please, of doing a Syn listing kinda like the ones that are on that guide page.
I just am unable.
Never mind. Erle’s people are in touch with my people.
Dale
Really am not sure if they are expensive or inexpensive but here goes:
Syn Whistles
Available in E,Eb,D,C#,C,B,Bb,A and low D (ok maybe more… I only have E-D,C-A)
Syn Whistles are made in Australia by Mr. Bartlett. He offers wooden and metal (aluminum) whistles. The metal whistles are made out of aluminum for the body and delrin for the headpiece, in a sort of delrin/aluminum sandwich. The most unusual thing about the metal whistles is that he offers a one-head-fits-all deal. That means one head can fit on all of the whistles from E to Bb (he also offers the A, but says it really is too low for that bore size). Each key is slightly different in feel. I have all but the C#, and my favorite is B. The whistles cost $30 USD for the head, $5 for each body, and $5 for shipping. ($70 for 7 whistles!!!)
He has also made a few wooden whistles in D and C and is making low whistles in low D (umm.. duh..)
He can be reached by email at: synwhistles @ yahoo . com . au (remove spaces to make it work…)
thanks NorCal
I have a D and C in Lancewood.
Good to hear that “Erle’s people are in touch with your people” or I’d be tempted, even though I’m a relative neophyte on the whistle, to try to write up the aluminum Syns for the guide.
I just earlier this week received a set consisting of one head and bodies for E, Eb, D, C, Bb and A and like them very much - so much so that I’m very tempted to order another head and a couple of bodies just to keep with me in my briefcase or vehicle. And the price is outstanding - $65 US for the entire set. He even added a little soft cloth roll-bag with six pockets for the set in that price!
I agree that A is a bit much for that diameter bore - it can’t be pushed very hard at all, but that’s not surprising as the bore is maybe 2/3 the diameter of the Susato A I have (I haven’t measured them).
But I LOVE the D - sweet and not harsh all the way up to the third octave D (at least). I will use the two higher ones as my first forays in that direction. The C is quite nice as well and goes into the third octave even easier than the D.
Yesterday was my birthday (49!!) and along with the Syns which I ordered for myself my 10-year-old presented me with Mary Bergin’s Feadoga Stain CD… wonderful!
I have a new D, C, Bflat Syn set - like the very first Susato set I got years ago - that seems to me would be such a perfect starter set for someone - 3 useful keys that are easily managed physically. Nice sounding/playing whistles come in a cloth bag and are probably around $45 plus shipping - a real good deal. Oh, and I don’t mean they’re just good for beginners, but people are always asking what should I start with , keys, etc. and this seems a perfect blend of affordable good quality range of whistles. SO for the so-called newbies, take heed. I just realized, this sounds like I’m trying to sell them - nope, I’m keeping mine.
Regards,
Philo